Barbados has once again earned global recognition for its rich cultural legacy. The island’s beloved Landship has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, joining Bridgetown & Its Historic Garrison – a World Heritage Site since 2011 – as the nation’s second UNESCO designation.
🫂 A Tradition Anchored in Community
The Barbados Landship a unique cultural institution rooted in community, discipline, and tradition. Tracing its origins back to 1863, it stands as the island’s oldest indigenous organisation, one created by Bajans to tell their own stories and celebrate their identity.
💃🏽 Intangible Heritage in Motion
While Bridgetown’s historic buildings represent tangible heritage, the Landship embodies the intangible spirit of Barbadian life. Born out of community groups known as “ships,” the Landship celebrates identity and tells stories through marches, dances, manoeuvres, and music. Its performances – from the vibrant Maypole dance to dramatic manoeuvres like Man Overboard and Rough Seas – captivate audiences at festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
🚢 A Ship on Land
The metaphor of a “ship on land” is central to the tradition. Members don naval-style uniforms, follow a strict officer ranking system, and move with military precision. The captain controls activities by the call of a whistle and commands (left turn, about turn, rights wheel, etc), guiding manoeuvres that mirror the passage of ships through turbulent seas in a powerful reflection of the struggles and resilience of the Barbadian people.
💁🏽♂️ More Than Entertainment
Historically, Landships were also friendly societies, providing economic and social support to members in the years following Emancipation. At a time when freed slaves had little access to education, land, or capital, these societies acted as informal banks and welfare providers, helping communities climb the economic ladder.
🪢 A Blend of Influences
The Landship’s hierarchical structure reflects Barbados’ colonial past, borrowing ranks from the British navy. Yet its music, rhythm, and movements are distinctly African, creating a cultural fusion that mirrors the island’s history, a blend of African and British traditions woven into something uniquely Barbadian.
🏛️ UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as “the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.”
The Landship’s inscription followed an intensive submission process involving historical research, documenting of oral traditions, and academic input. This recognition is both a reward and a responsibility: it shines a spotlight on the Landship locally, regionally, and internationally, while encouraging greater appreciation, youth involvement, and integration into tourism activities.
🛞 Steering Forward
With this new designation, Barbados celebrates not only its past but also its future. The Landship’s recognition affirms the island’s enduring creativity, resilience, and community spirit, all qualities that continue to steer the nation forward, both at home and on the global stage.
Celebrating Barbados’ Heritage
Join an island tour to explore more of our unique heritage…
Find your ideal Barbados accommodation...
